Double Duty: The 129th Rescue Wing of the California Air National Guard

Law enforcement has what is primarily a “peace time” duty, defending us against those among us who would do harm. Military traditionally has a “war time” duty, leaving for far-flung lands to protect American interests.

“We have both a wartime capacity, directed by the federal government, and a peacetime mission, directed by the governor of California,” explains Captain Denise Varner, public affairs officer with the 129th Rescue Wing of the California Air National Guard. (When performing federal duties, the 129th is actually part of the US Air Force.)

That dual mission means the Wing’s HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters must serve in a wide variety of roles. Conveniently, the HH-60 has a 500 mile range with an auxiliary tank, and unlimited range with air refueling. The Wing also has MC-130P Combat Shadow Tanker planes, which refuel the helicopters in mid-air.

Missions usually have a common thread, whether federal or state: Saving lives. “We have never said ‘no’ to a request to save or protect lives,” Varner notes.

On the civilian, or state mission, the 129th performs duties such as rescuing a person at sea with acute appendicitis. “He was really far out there — about 500 miles,” Varner explains. “Just as we landed, his appendix burst. He would have died if we had not flown him to safety.”

Because of the 129th’s refueling capacity, they are frequently sent out on longer missions. “We usually get called in when someone is further out than just along the coast,” she says.

The federal, or military, mission of the 129th has involved many duties, including airport security since September 11th and protecting their base at Moffett Federal Airfield. Some members of the 129th are also activated to patrol no-fly zones. While juggling two missions seems unusual, it actually keeps members well-trained. Its official fact sheet states, “The lifesaving activities of the unit, in peacetime, provide realistic training for its wartime mission.”

Beyond “training”, the civilian part of its mission also saves lives and betters lives on a regular basis. Since its inception in 1975, 295 lives have been saved by the 129th Wing. In 1975, it assisted in Operation MEDFLY, helping to eradicate the pest that threatened much of California agriculture. The 129th also assisted in regaining order in 1992 after the Rodney King verdict in Los Angeles. In 1989, they assisted Jamaica in rebuilding after Hurricane Gilbert, and in 1990-91, they went to South America to help build hospitals and schools.

Such an odd mix of duties seems unusual for a military group, but the 129th is accustomed to it. “We do double duty,” Varner says. “That’s who we are.”